Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) announced that the Presidential Regulation on the Governance of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program will outline the roles and responsibilities of ministries, agencies, and regional governments in its implementation.
In a press conference here on Friday, BGN Head Dadan Hindayana said that by clearly defining roles, all stakeholders will gain certainty and confidence in carrying out their duties.
He explained that the BGN will serve as the main organizer and step in with interventions when necessary.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health will oversee supervision, while the Ministry of Population and Family Development will manage the distribution of meals for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Regional governments will be responsible for preparing the necessary infrastructure. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries will support farmers and fishers in boosting production.
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The presidential regulation, expected to be issued this week, will also set out technical provisions, including food and hygiene standards, as well as procedures to handle cases of food poisoning.
“With the issuance of the presidential regulation, there will be no more hesitation, as each role has been clearly defined and all parties will be coordinated by a dedicated team,” Hindayana stated.
The MBG program was launched by the Indonesian government on January 6, 2025, to improve nutrition for children under five, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and students up to the high school level.
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Earlier, Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), urged the government to issue the regulation without delay.
“For us, the Free Nutritious Meals program is a people-centered initiative that must be safeguarded. The requirement is clear: a presidential regulation must be issued immediately,” he said during a recent meeting with the BGN and other stakeholders.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring certification for MBG kitchens and food handlers, as well as strengthening supervision to prevent recurring food poisoning cases.
